What I wore // Work-It Wednesday

You're getting a BOGO today, because I'm teaming up with both Katie @ Queen of the First Grade Jungle for her weekly "Work it Wednesday" link up and Lindsey @ The Pleated Poppy for "What I Wore Wednesday!" The reason for this doubly-delightful post this week is because getting some exercise and my wardrobe are overlapping, because...well....I haven't really worn anything EXCEPT for my workout gear the past week. I had a few cute outfits over the weekend, but forgot to snap photos, and one of the best things about summer is NOT having to dress up unless you just want to!

This works out perfectly, because 1) I LOVE being comfy, especially in summer. 2) It means I'm always ready to either hit the gym or get some good old-fashioned outdoor exercise with my little guy Grayson. 3) I think all of the new activewear available is totally cute...and have found ways to stock up without breaking the bank. I ADORE looking at luxe fitness fashion in stores like Lululemon {have 1 pair of paints from Lulu} and Athleta, but right now, I just can't seem to part with the $$ to stock up on multiple full outfits!!

The collage above is from an impromptu trip to a local petting farm. I know...it's a hot mess. I've DARINGLY (LOL) combined workout clothes with a baseball hat, and rain boots....but you know what? Who cares? It was comfy and worked for a fun excursion! Check out the other fitness/fashion links at these 2 ladies' fabulous sites for more fun!

// Favorite tops //

I actually have these in a few colors {because when I find something I love...I buy multiples.I have found some amazingly comfortable, cute, and effective workout tops at OldNavy in their Activwear selection! The left and right mages above show their Women's Go-Dry 2-in-1Tanks. I LOVE these, because they have a built-in patterned sports bra {I always wear an additional sports bra--see below} with a billowing top layer that is made from their lightweight Go-Dry fabric. The best parts? The back has a cute cutout that shows the pattern of the under-layer and the bottom has a wide elastic band to keep it in place {and...it also looks really cute}. I actually have these in a few colors {because when I find something I love...I buy multiples.

In the center above, is one of my favorite graphic tanks ever, and it's perfect for yoga because it says "Good Vibes Make Great Karma" and is made from a semi-sheer fabric for a lightweight, breathable feel. Since it's semi-sheer, a separate sports bra is definitely required. Old Navy has several other awesome designs in their Go-Dry Graphic Tank Collection, so check 'em out!

The peach-y tank above is one of the Old-Navy Burn-Out Tanks, that has a similar semi-sheer fabric as the gray graphic tank above. It's super lightweight and comfy, and looks cute with a bright sports bra underneath. The gray tank on the right is a more fitted racerback top from the Go-Dry Ruched Collection. While it's not as lightweight, it wicks away sweat and stays put, with a bit of flair from the ruched sides. Front and center, is one item I can't live without: My Old Navy Go-Dry Compression Tunic. I throw this on going in/out of the gym {or wherever} and my fave features are: full zip-up, thumb cut-outs, long torso length with elastic bottom band, and lightweight fitted fabric.

// Must-Have Sports Bras //

For years I've worn cheap, pull-over sports bras. Overall, they weren't a catastrophe, but they weren't exactly comfortable....and balanced a fine line between NOT supportive enough....and smashing the HECK out of my chest. This year, I hit up the Victoria's Secret semi-annual sale and got these two Incredible by VS front-zip miracles for a BARGAIN price!! They have a built-in underwire and racerback for maximum support, but with COMFORT. Let me tell you...there is a HUUUUGE difference. Now, I can't believe I wore anything else. Do your "girls" a favor and check out the new VS sports bra lines!!

// Get a "Leg Up" With These Pants //

I'm super picky about any pants I wear, and especially when it comes to fitness gear. Old Navy Compression Pants are my BFFs. For real. They are super comfortable, breathable, wick away sweat, and come with lots of style options! I love the different lengths, colors, patterns, and even ruched details on the pants. The high waist means I'm fully covered during yoga moves {or any other awkward exercise pose/movement}.

// Must-Have Fit-cessories //

Accessories are ALWAYS my favorite part of any outfit...and fitness gear is no different! My Nike Free shoes were purchased at a local outlet mall for under $50 and are BEYOND lightweight and comfortable. The Puma ankle socks above are as soft as pillows on the inside, and were a steal in a 6-pack at Costco. Even though I have long hair now, I have tons of fly-aways, so elastic headbands are a must to keep those at bay. Last, I NEED an armband holder for my iPhone so that I can use it while working out {not in a class}.

I'm teaming up with Katie @ Queen of the First Grade Jungle for her weekly "Work it Wednesday" link up! Summer is here...which means shorts, swimsuits, and sassy little dresses, so I {SUPER LOVE} this link-up to help keep us accountable and encouraged on our quest for health and fitness {...and to ease us into clothing other than sweaters, layers, and long pants, as we're accustomed to here in Chicago}.

Motivation:

There's nothing like a CABANA POOL PARTY for a little fitness motivation!! In case you haven't heard, I'm co-hosting {with Ashlyn Ellsworth of The Creative Classroom} a little mix & mingle event at the Venetian! Since this is a POOL PARTY {swimsuits are not the only acceptable attire, but I want to rock a RETRO bathing suit}, I need to kick it into gear between now and July 8th! Check out the EVENT DETAILS...hope you can make it...and maybe the "Make a SPLASH Teacher Bash" can be your motivation, too!

work it!

I am NOT the most consistent fitness fanatic. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE IT....I just get busy, or "life" gets in the way, or school is hectic, etc, etc, etc. The key for me is taking classes that I love. 1) I don't want to feel punished or freaked out by my fitness, or I won't stick with it.2) I need someone guiding a class to keep me motivated and working my hardest, while still enjoying my fitness routine.

This past week, I've enjoyed the following classes at my local Equinox fitness club!I'm pretty hard to please when it comes to work out classes, but these get the "Lindsey stamp of approval." If you're looking for fitness classes that are both fun and get results, check to see if you have anything similar at your local gym.

Detox:

I LOVE a good detox....as long as it's natural and not frightening {like only drinking juiced veggies, or that tiny toy you ate when you were 3 suddenly "passing"}. Today I ordered my first ever Skinnymint 28 Day TEAtox. I'm not using this to get/be "skinny." Instead, I think summer is the perfect time to rid the body of toxins, bloating...and other grossness that does NO ONE any good. The idea of using these natural morning and evening teas to do a gentle detox while still living a normal life sounds good to me! I can't wait to give updates on how this is going each Wednesday on this link-up!

I'm not a huge sweet-tooth, but I DO love ice cream and dark chocolate. The key is to enjoy high quality goodies...and refrain from eating an entire pint of Ben & Jerry's {sometimes really, really tough to do}. Last week I stumbled {miraculously} upon something WONDERFUL atCostco{one of my favorite places for many reasons}.

Check out theseDole Banana Dippers! Ready-to-go in 100 calorie packs, this clever snack of banana slices dipped in dark chocolate has a huge indulgence factor, without the guilt...or depravation. If you zap the four pieces in the pack for 5 seconds a side in the microwave, the banana inside becomes soft and creamy, and these little nibbles taste like indulgent ice cream bites dipped in thick dark chocolate!! MMMMMMMMM. Seriously, do yourself a favor {even if bananas aren't your fave} and GET.SOME.TODAY.